Starting out on Upwork can feel overwhelming.
You’ve probably heard stories of freelancers landing amazing clients and making a living online, but when you try to set up your own account, it feels confusing.
The truth is, freelancing on Upwork isn’t about luck; it’s about understanding the platform, building the right profile, and learning how to stand out in a sea of other freelancers.
Whether you’re completely new to freelancing or just exploring how to get started on Upwork, this guide will walk you through everything you need.
From answering the question “what is Upwork”, to creating your profile, writing proposals that actually get noticed, you’ll learn practical steps you can apply immediately.
What is Upwork?
Upwork works as a two-sided marketplace that connects freelancers with clients who need specific services.
You can think of it as a digital meeting point where companies, individuals, and other businesses post projects, and professionals like writers, designers, developers, and marketers bid to work on them.
Opportunities are constantly flowing on Upwork, but knowing how the system works is what helps you stand out. Here’s a breakdown of the process in practice:
A client creates a job post, listing what they need, their budget, and timeline. Freelancers then send proposals explaining why they’re the right fit. Afterward, the client reviews the proposals, checks profiles, and often interviews before hiring the best candidate.
Once hired, freelancers complete the work, submit it, and get paid through Upwork’s secure payment system.
For digital professionals using the platform, the process goes deeper. The algorithm favors complete and optimized profiles, meaning your skills, portfolio, and reviews play a big role in visibility.
Success isn’t just about applying; it’s about positioning yourself to be discovered by clients who are searching for your skill set.
How Upwork Works
If you’ve ever searched what is Upwork or asked yourself how does Upwork work the best way to think about it is as a structured workflow that takes you from creating an account to eventually getting paid for completed projects.
Unlike traditional job boards, Upwork is designed with very clear stages that help freelancers and clients work together smoothly.
Here’s a practical breakdown of how Upwork works in real terms:
1. Setting up
This is one of the first and most important things you need to do.
Your profile is essentially your digital résumé. Upwork’s system uses it to match you with jobs. This means highlighting your skills, portfolio, and past results isn’t optional; it directly affects how visible you are when clients search for freelancers.
For instance, a digital marketing expert with case studies will naturally appear more in search results than someone with a half-filled and not-so-impressive profile.
2. Browsing or getting matched with jobs
Once your profile is live, jobs can come to you in two ways: either by browsing the job feed yourself or being invited by clients who find your profile.
The more complete and credible your profile looks, the higher your chances of receiving direct invitations from clients.
3. Sending proposals
When you apply to a job post on Upwork, you send what Upwork calls a “proposal.”
This is your pitch for the job, where you explain why you’re the right person, how you’ll solve the client’s problem, and what your terms are.
We’ll cover how to write an Upwork proposal later in this guide since it’s a very crucial step.
4. Getting hired and managing the contract
If a client likes your proposal, they can set up a contract.
Contracts on Upwork can be hourly (tracked with the Upwork Time Tracker) or fixed-price (with milestones).
Both are backed by Upwork’s protection system, which helps ensure freelancers get paid and clients get the anticipated results.
5. Delivering and getting paid
After delivering work as a freelancer, payment is then processed through Upwork’s secure system.
Payments are held in escrow for fixed-price contracts, and hourly payments are billed weekly.
So, in short, how does Upwork work?
It takes you through a loop: you build a strong profile, apply or get invited, win contracts, deliver quality, and then get paid.
And when you understand what Upwork is at its core, a structured system that connects freelancers with clients, you’ll see that success isn’t just about doing good work but also about learning how to navigate each of these steps strategically.
Check out our detailed guide on how to price your service as a freelancer.
Benefits of Upwork
Understanding “what is Upwork” and how it works goes beyond just knowing how it works; it’s about recognizing the advantages it gives freelancers.
Let’s see some of these advantages.
1. Access to a global client base
Upwork connects you with businesses across the world, it gives you the privilege to work remotely from anywhere.
You could be a web developer in Lagos or a content strategist in London; location is never a barrier. You can pitch to clients in the US, Europe, or Asia.
This global reach is one of Upwork’s biggest advantages; it removes the barrier of location.
2. Constant flow of opportunities
Thousands of jobs are posted daily.
For digital professionals, this means you’re never short of projects to apply for, whether it’s short-term gigs or long-term retainers.
The variety is wide: from copywriting to product design, you’ll find almost every digital skill in demand.
3. Secure payment protection
Upwork’s escrow system ensures clients deposit funds before work starts on fixed-price projects, giving freelancers some security.
For hourly jobs, the Upwork tracker helps guarantee payments for hours worked. This is a major benefit compared to informal freelancing.
4 Flexibility in work style
You can choose the type of projects that suit you; it could be hourly, milestone-based, or even ongoing contracts.
This privilege allows digital workers to manage multiple clients and income streams at once.
Disadvantages of Upwork
Like every freelancing platform, Upwork has its downsides, too.
While it offers plenty of opportunities, there are some aspects that can make the experience less smooth for freelancers.
When you understand these drawbacks, it will help you to see the bigger picture and decide how best to approach the platform.
1. High competition
With millions of freelancers on the platform, getting to stand out can be tough.
Newcomers often find it hard to win their first few jobs because clients lean towards profiles with proven reviews.
2. Service fees
Upwork takes a cut from all your earnings, starting at 10% for most contracts.
While this fee funds the platform’s operations and protections, it can also eat into your income, especially when you’re working on smaller projects.
3. Race to the bottom on pricing
Some clients post very low budgets, and freelancers desperate to land jobs undercut each other.
As a digital professional with specialized skills, this can be frustrating and may devalue expertise if you’re not careful about the clients you choose.
4. Connects cost money
Applying for jobs on Upwork requires “connects,” a type of credit you buy.
If you apply to many jobs without landing one, costs can build up quickly, especially for beginners who are still figuring out how to write winning proposals.
5. Client reliability varies
Not all clients on Upwork are equal.
Some are professional and clear with expectations, while others may be unresponsive, unclear, or even unrealistic.
Learning to filter job posts and read between the lines is part of succeeding on the platform.
It is true that Upwork offers massive opportunities, but it isn’t a shortcut to easy money.
The pros, like global reach and secure payments, are real advantages, but the cons, like competition and fees, mean you’ll need patience, strategy, and persistence to make it worthwhile.
Creating an Account on Upwork
Creating an account on Upwork is the first step toward building a freelancing career on the Upwork platform.
But simply signing up isn’t enough; your account is also your first impression, and how you set it up plays a huge role in whether clients will take you seriously or not.
Here’s a practical guide to getting it right from the start.
1. Start with accurate personal details
Upwork verifies your identity before you can land jobs.
Use your real name, a valid email address, and accurate contact information.
Clients are quick to avoid freelancers whose profiles look suspicious or incomplete.
2. Choose the right categories and skills
When creating your account, Upwork asks you to select categories that define your expertise.
Don’t just pick broadly, be specific.
For instance, instead of “Marketing,” select “SEO Content Writing” or “Social Media Advertising.”
The platform uses these categories to match you with jobs, so precision matters.
3. Write a headline that speaks to value
Your headline is one of the first things clients see. Avoid vague titles like “Freelancer” or “Hardworking Professional.”
Instead, make it skill-focused and client-oriented: “SEO Writer helping businesses rank and convert” or “UI/UX Designer building clean, user-friendly interfaces.”
4. Craft a compelling profile overview
This is where many freelancers fall short.
Your overview should not be a generic list of skills; it should highlight how you solve problems for clients. A good formula is: Who you are + What you do + The results you deliver.
For example:
“I’m a certified digital marketer with 4+ years of experience helping startups grow through targeted Facebook and Google Ads campaigns that increase ROI.”
5. Upload a professional profile photo
Profiles with a clear, professional headshot are far more likely to be hired.
Research from Upwork itself shows that freelancers with professional photos are hired more often than those without.
A clean background, natural lighting, and friendly posture go a long way.
6. Add portfolio samples
Even if you’re new to Upwork, you can showcase past work from outside the platform. For digital skills professionals, this could be website links, case studies, blog posts, graphics, or campaign screenshots.
Clients often judge ability based on proof of work, not just words.
You can check out our complete guide here on how to build a portfolio even with no prior job experience.
7. Set a realistic hourly rate
If you’re just starting, don’t undervalue yourself to the point of looking unqualified, and don’t overprice without proof of results.
Research average rates in your field on Upwork and set something competitive that reflects your skill level. You can always adjust as you build reviews.
8. Take relevant Upwork skill certifications
Upwork offers skill assessments in areas like writing, design, coding, and digital marketing.
Passing these tests and displaying the certifications on your profile increases credibility and helps clients filter freelancers by skill.
9. Complete every section
An incomplete profile rarely gets noticed.
So, fill in education, past work experience, languages, and skills.
Even if you don’t have years of freelancing, showing related professional experience boosts trust.
10. Get verified early
Once you’ve set up, go through Upwork’s identity verification process. A “Verified” badge on your profile instantly increases your trustworthiness to clients.
When done right, creating an account on Upwork is less about filling in forms and more about positioning yourself as the solution to a client’s problem.
How to Find and Apply for Jobs on Upwork
Once you’ve set up your Upwork account, the next step is learning how to actually find jobs and apply for them in a way that gets you noticed.
Many freelancers ask what is Upwork worth if they can’t land jobs, but the truth is, finding and applying effectively is what separates successful freelancers from those who struggle on Upwork..
Here’s a practical guide to make the process work for you:
1. Use the job feed strategically
Upwork’s job feed shows you opportunities based on the skills you selected while creating your profile.
Don’t just scroll casually, filter jobs by budget, client history, and posting date.
Serious clients usually have a verified payment method and a history of hiring, so prioritize those listings.
This saves you time and connects you with clients who are more likely to pay and hire quickly.
2. Learn to read between the lines
Not all job posts are created equal.
A post with clear deliverables, budget details, and a professional tone usually signals a reliable client.
On the other hand, posts that are vague (“I need a website”) or extremely low-budget often lead to wasted effort.
Experienced freelancers know that filtering out low-quality jobs is just as important as applying for the right ones.
3. Apply early, but with precision
Jobs posted within the first few hours often get the most attention from clients.
Being among the first to send a proposal increases your chances of being seen.
This doesn’t mean you should rush; read the post carefully and tailor your proposal to exactly what the client is asking.
Generic copy-paste proposals rarely work!
4. Match your skills to the job, not just the title
Sometimes, job titles don’t fully reflect the actual needs. For example, a listing titled “Writer needed” may actually be seeking an SEO specialist.
Read the description closely to see if your expertise aligns.
5. Manage your connects wisely
On Upwork, each application requires “connects,” which cost money.
Don’t waste them on jobs that don’t fit your expertise. Instead, focus on jobs where your portfolio or past results align strongly.
This way, you’ll use fewer connects but with a higher chance of return.
6. Write proposals that speak to the client’s goals
When applying, don’t just list your skills.
Show how you’ll solve the client’s problem.
For instance, instead of saying, “I’m good at SEO,” say, “I can optimize your blog posts to rank higher on Google and bring in more organic traffic, similar to how I helped a past client increase their site visits by 40%.”
This makes your proposal outcome-focused, not skill-focused. We’ll dive deeper into how to write an Upwork proposal later in this guide.
In short, what is Upwork if not a marketplace where finding the right jobs and applying strategically determines your success?
This means when you filter opportunities, apply with precision, and write proposals that focus on client outcomes, you position yourself not just as another freelancer but as the solution they’re looking for.
How to Write an Upwork Proposal
If you’ve ever asked yourself what is Upwork really about, the answer is simple: it’s about connecting clients with freelancers who can solve their problems.
And the proposal is where you prove you’re that person.
Here’s a practical guide on how to write an Upwork proposal that gets you noticed and hired:
1. Start with a personal greeting
Always address the client by name if it’s available. Instead of “Dear Sir/Madam,” write “Hi John” or “Hello Sarah.”
It instantly makes the proposal feel less generic.
2. Hook with the client’s need, not your skill list
Don’t start by talking about yourself. Show that you’ve read the job description and understood their problem.
For example: “I see you’re looking for someone to optimize your blog for better Google rankings. I’ve helped businesses in similar situations increase organic traffic by 35%.”
3. Highlight relevant experience only
This is not the place to dump your entire background.
Focus on projects that directly relate to the client’s job post.
You should also include case studies, results, or links to portfolios that show proof.
4. Explain your process clearly
Clients love clarity.
Briefly outline how you’ll approach the project, step by step if possible.
For example: “First, I’ll audit your existing website. Next, I’ll identify content gaps. Finally, I’ll optimize and deliver a clear SEO strategy.”
5. Keep it client-focused and result-driven
Frame everything around outcomes for the client, not tasks you’ll perform.
Instead of saying “I write SEO blogs,” say “I’ll create blog posts designed to rank on Google and bring consistent organic traffic to your site.”
6. End with a simple call to action
Close the proposal with an invitation for the client to take the next step.
Something like: “Would you like me to share a quick outline for how I’d approach this project?”
This opens the door for conversation.
Example of a winning Upwork proposal
Job post summary: Client needs an SEO content writer for blog posts that drive organic traffic.
Proposal:
Hi [Client’s Name],
I noticed you’re looking for an SEO content writer to help grow your blog and attract more organic visitors. Having worked with digital businesses that struggled with the same challenge, I know how important it is to create content that not only reads well but also ranks.
In the past year, I helped a SaaS startup boost its organic traffic by 42% through optimized blog content and strategic keyword placement. My approach is simple: research your audience, identify high-ranking keywords, and deliver engaging content that speaks to both readers and search engines.
Here’s how I’d handle your project:
- Audit your existing blog to spot SEO opportunities.
- Create a content plan around keywords with ranking potential.
- Write posts that are structured, optimized, and ready to publish.
If it helps, I can share links to blog posts I’ve written that currently rank on Google for competitive terms.
Would you like me to draft a quick outline for your first article so you can see my approach in action?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Where Do You Go From Here
Freelancing on Upwork doesn’t have to feel like a guessing game.
Start by setting up your profile the right way, learn how proposals work, and applying with confidence.
With time and patience, you’ll find the right opportunities that match your skills.
And if you’d like to grow with others on the same journey, you’re welcome to join us at Creaitz.
We’re a community of digital professionals helping one another grow, whether it’s freelancing, thriving on Upwork, or mastering the many skills that can help you grow in today’s digital space.
